FLORHAM PARK -- It was evident to anyone who watched a moment of Jets training camp, or endured the ineptitude of the starting offense this preseason.

Yes, there were holes littered across the recently-purged roster. But oh my did the Jets need a veteran receiver.

So, on cutdown day, they added one. New York shipped defensive end Sheldon Richardson to the Seahawks for Jermaine Kearse and a second-round pick. Through two games, he's been everything they could have hoped for and more.

"Other than making plays, he's very good at teaching the young guys what to look for on the other side, which we didn't have earlier," coach Todd Bowles said this week. "He's helped them out a lot in that way. He's making plays himself and he's been a good addition for us."

Kearse is the unquestioned go-to guy in the passing game, and has made quick friends with quarterback Josh McCown. On 15 targets, he has 11 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

This week, Kearse sat down with NJ Advance Media to talk about his transition to the Jets, how he wants to stay in New York long term, and what most fans don't know about Bowles.

Q: You've been with the Jets three weeks now. How's your understanding of the offense coming?

KEARSE: I feel like I've got a pretty good grasp of it. There are obviously some minor details I still have to continue to get right and learn. For the most part, I feel it's coming on. It gets better every day.

Q: When you were in Seattle, you were the No. 3 option. Now you're the top wideout here. Are you enjoying being the offense's go-to guy in the passing game?

KEARSE: I'm just trying to make the most of each opportunity I get. It's a mindset that I had in Seattle, too. You guys can call it being a No. 1, but, for me, I'm just trying to make the most of each opportunity I get. Maximize that opportunity and go from there. I try not to put a label on it like that.

Q: It looks like you've developed some quick chemistry with quarterback Josh McCown. What's led to that?

KEARSE: We run routes with each other all the time. We do routes on air during special teams. We find that time useful to work on certain routes, get the timing and chemistry done. It's just investing in that timing to get that done. I feel like it definitely shows out there.

Q: You're just 27 years old, but you're one of the elder statesmen in the receiving room. Are you enjoying this leadership role?

KEARSE: I'm just embracing my role, whatever that role may be. I just try to make myself available. Try to help out any chance I get. I try just to bring that competitive mindset. The guys in here, we're trying to create a culture that expects to win. Guys are feeling good about it. We just need to keep working, put the time and effort in, then invest in it.

Q: This is your first year with the Jets. Can you see yourself here long term?

KEARSE: Of course. I love playing for Coach Todd Bowles. I like him a lot. I think he's a tremendous coach. Very easy to talk to. Having those conversations with him, you learn some things. He also learns some things. This is definitely somewhere I can see myself being a part of. I want to help this team build itself to the potential that we see in this building. That's something I want to be a part of.

Q: What can you say about Todd Bowles that most don't know?

KEARSE: People get the wrong impression of him. When I first got here, he kind of comes off as a little intimidating. Once you talk to him, you get to know his personality. The more I talk to him, the more I see who he is as a man, as a coach. I like everything about him.